Pro Dean (Education)

University of Portsmouth; Portsmouth; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Generous leave entitlement

Family-friendly policies

Staff discounts and loyalty schemes

Staff car parking

Discounted gym membership

Job summary

The University of Portsmouth is seeking an outstanding academic leader to join the Faculty of Science & Health as Pro Dean (Education). The Pro Dean will provide strategic leadership for the faculty’s education portfolio, driving delivery of the University Strategy and translating priorities into clear, measurable faculty wide outcomes.

Hybrid working is available; residence in Portsmouth a few days per week is expected.

Qualifications

• Strong track record of leadership and strategic delivery in higher education.
• Significant experience in enhancing education, teaching and student experience.
• Ability to translate strategy into effective action and measurable outcomes.
• Excellent influencing, communication and partnership‑building skills.
• Collaborative, inclusive and innovative leadership approach.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the faculty's education portfolio.
• Drive delivery of the University Strategy and measurable faculty outcomes.
• Lead initiatives that strengthen educational excellence, innovation and continuous improvement.
• Foster a collaborative, student-focused culture across the faculty.
• Work closely with Heads of School and Associate Heads to implement priorities.

Skills

Higher education leadership

Strategic delivery

Education enhancement

Translating strategy into action

Influencing skills

Communication

Partnership building

Collaborative leadership

Job description

The University of Portsmouth is a global employer of choice where exceptional people create, share and apply knowledge that makes a difference.

Experience the pride of being part of a select group – one of only four universities in the south-east of England to achieve a prestigious Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework. Additionally, we proudly rank among the top 140 universities globally in the Times Higher Young University World Rankings.

Ambition, Responsibility and Openness drive our every endeavour. Join our esteemed institution with a proven track record of success, and where dedication to excellence is key. We want people to make their mark in a professional community that truly values people, innovation, and achievement.

The Role:

We are seeking an outstanding academic leader to join the Faculty of Science & Health’s leadership team as Pro Dean (Education).

The Pro Dean will provide strategic leadership for the faculty’s education portfolio, driving delivery of the University Strategy and translating institutional priorities into clear, measurable faculty wide outcomes. Working in partnership with the Deputy Vice Chancellor - Education, the postholder will lead initiatives that strengthen educational excellence, innovation and continuous improvement.

The Pro Dean will work closely with Heads of School and Associate Heads, supporting effective implementation of strategic priorities and fostering a collaborative, student-focused culture across the faculty.

You will be an experienced academic leader with:

• A strong track record of leadership and strategic delivery in higher education.
• Significant experience of enhancing education, teaching and the student experience.
• The ability to translate strategy into effective action and measurable outcomes.
• Excellent influencing, communication and partnership building skills.
• A collaborative, inclusive and innovative approach to leadership.

Location:

Whilst there is a need to be in Portsmouth a few days a week, hybrid working is available for this role.

Interview date:

The interviews are currently anticipated to be held on Friday 9 October 2026.

Contact:

If you have any queries regarding this position, please contact Ruth Paterson at [e-mail]

Employer, External Only: University of Portsmouth Academic Services Ltd (UASL)

Discover the advantages of joining our university. We offer a range of attractive benefits and opportunities to enhance your work experience:

• Competitive salary, including incremental progression within your scale.
• Generous leave entitlement of 32–35 days a year, plus bank holidays, and an additional Christmas closure.
• Family-friendly policies supporting flexible working.
• Staff discounts and loyalty schemes.
• Staff car parking and discounted public travel.
• Excellent training and development opportunities.
• Recreation facilities, including discounted gym membership, food on campus schemes, use of the Library and staff social activities.
• Discounted learning.
• Start-up business mentoring from expert entrepreneurs via our Entrepreneurs in Residence programme.

Salary Information:

New appointments will routinely be made to the entry spine point (minimum) for the advertised grade, from where the individual will (in addition to receiving annual cost-of-living-related increases) progress through the pay range to the maximum for the grade, within a reasonable timeframe. This ensures fairness, consistency and transparency in our pay structures. A higher starting salary or market supplement may be available for a truly exceptional candidate when circumstances fully justify a departure from our normal policy.

UKVI Statement

Prior to submitting your application, kindly ensure that you can either demonstrate or acquire the necessary right to work in the UK. If you currently do not possess the right to work in the UK, please be aware that our offer of employment is conditional upon you obtaining it.

ED&I Statement:

We are committed to upholding the University’s values of being ambitious, open and responsible, in an inclusive working environment that promotes dignity and respect.

Please note that this vacancy may be closed earlier than advertised, so early applications are advised.